A FORMER Bishop of Warwick is at the centre of allegations of unlawful discrimination after a gay man claimed he was turned down for a youth worker position because of his sexuality.

The Rt Rev Anthony Priddis, who was Bishop of Warwick between 1996 and 2004 before being appointed Bishop of Hereford, is being taken to an employment tribunal by John Reaney.

Mr Reaney, aged 41, a committed Christian from Colwyn Bay, in north Wales, is claiming unlawful discrimination against the Hereford Diocesan Board of Finance under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003.

His claim is being backed and financed by gay lobby group Stonewall.

Mr Reaney told the tribunal earlier this month how he was questioned by Bishop Priddis on his previous gay relationship during a two-hour meeting on July 19 last year after he emerged as the outstanding candidate for the job during the interview process.

He described the encounter as "embarrassing" and "humiliating" and told how he pulled over during his drive home from the bishop's residence and broke down in tears.

Three days after the meeting, the bishop phoned Mr Reaney to say his application had not been successful.

During his evidence, the bishop said he had made it clear to Mr Reaney that a person in a committed sexual relationship outside marriage, whether they were heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or transgender, would also be turned down for the role, which he said was a key appointment within the diocese.

The bishop added: "Such sexuality in itself was not an issue but Mr Reaney's lifestyle had the potential to impact on the spiritual, moral and ethical leadership within the diocese."

Susan Johns, representing the diocese of Norwich on the General Synod, branded the Church of England's position on homosexuality "a shambles".

She told the tribunal that she could not understand a situation whereby gay clergy were punished for being open and honest about their sexuality, but it was seen as acceptable if they covered it up.